The Old English Baron
1. “Cease to look upon Edmund as the enemy of your house; look upon him as a son, and make him so indeed!—How say you, Sir Philip? My son!—Yes, my Lord; give him your daughter: He is already your son in filial affection! Your son William and he are sworn brothers; what remains but to make him yours? He deserves such a parent, you such a son; and you will by this means, ingraft into your family, the name, title, and estate of Lovel, which will be entailed on your posterity for ever.” — The Old English Baron, 110
This primary text from Clara Reeve’s “The Old English Baron” exhibits the struggle between Sir Phillip Harclay and Lord Fitz-Owen (The Old English Baron) about allowing Edmund to marry his daughter. Although “The Old English Baron” takes place in the Medieval period, Reeves integrated modern 18th century culture into her story. English society in the eighteenth century held social class in very high regards and there wasn’t much one could do to change their status. Aside from Sir Phillip, many of the characters have shown a very didactic approach to society and their social class. Following these moral standards, how does society react when someone amongst them exceeds their ranked class in terms of looks, charm, and strength? Edmund, who was introduced as the son of peasants, was considered to be an unsuitable candidate for Emma; the daughter of a Baron. Lord Fitz-Owen cares deeply for Edmund, and as Sir Phillip noted, so does his son William who shares the same ‘filial affection’ as his father. When Sir Phillip exclaims “What remains but to make him yours?”, Reeves is referring to the fact that reinstating Edmund’s social hierarchy now officially makes him ‘worthy’ of marrying Emma in Lord Fitz-Owen’s eyes. Lord Fitz-Owen also understands Edmund’s heir restoration also means evicting him out of his own castle. Sir Phillip is rationalizing with the Baron, explaining his personal relationship with Edmund hasn’t changed and that he’s “worthy of such
This primary text from Clara Reeve’s “The Old English Baron” exhibits the struggle between Sir Phillip Harclay and Lord Fitz-Owen (The Old English Baron) about allowing Edmund to marry his daughter. Although “The Old English Baron” takes place in the Medieval period, Reeves integrated modern 18th century culture into her story. English society in the eighteenth century held social class in very high regards and there wasn’t much one could do to change their status. Aside from Sir Phillip, many of the characters have shown a very didactic approach to society and their social class. Following these moral standards, how does society react when someone amongst them exceeds their ranked class in terms of looks, charm, and strength? Edmund, who was introduced as the son of peasants, was considered to be an unsuitable candidate for Emma; the daughter of a Baron. Lord Fitz-Owen cares deeply for Edmund, and as Sir Phillip noted, so does his son William who shares the same ‘filial affection’ as his father. When Sir Phillip exclaims “What remains but to make him yours?”, Reeves is referring to the fact that reinstating Edmund’s social hierarchy now officially makes him ‘worthy’ of marrying Emma in Lord Fitz-Owen’s eyes. Lord Fitz-Owen also understands Edmund’s heir restoration also means evicting him out of his own castle. Sir Phillip is rationalizing with the Baron, explaining his personal relationship with Edmund hasn’t changed and that he’s “worthy of such
Citations: Reeve, Clara, and James Trainer. The Old English Baron: A Gothic Story;. London: Oxford U. P., 2003. Print. & "English Social Structure in the Early 18th Century." English Social Structure in the Early 18th Century. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2013.